Fr. Chris Explains

Fr. Chris Explains

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Welcome to “Father Chris Explains” – short audio teachings on important topics within our Catholic faith. These were all originally part of the popular EWTN television series, “Living Divine Mercy” and we’re happy to share them now in audio form.

Marian Fathers


    • Apr 28, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 9m AVG DURATION
    • 51 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Fr. Chris Explains

    Graces of Divine Mercy Sunday

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 10:40


    Jesus told St. Faustina of the abundant graces he wishes to lavish upon the souls that will trust in his Divine Mercy and fulfill His simple request to go to Confession and receive Holy Communion on Divine Mercy Sunday. Learn more about the promises from Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, and hear the amazing story of Melissa Coles as she tells an account of something unbelievable.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    How to Receive the Graces of Divine Mercy Sunday

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2025 9:45


    In Divine Mercy Sunday, Jesus has given us an incredible gift of mercy and an incredibly easy way to attain it. So what was the promise Jesus made for this one day only and what two easy things do you need to do in order to receive this life-changing grace? You won't want to miss this episode.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    The Triduum

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 10:08


    Did you know that the Triduum is both a feast and a liturgical season? Why is there no consecration and full Mass during the Liturgy of the Lord's Passion on Good Friday? Join Fr. Chris Alar as he explains each event in the Passion of our Lord leading up to His glorious Resurrection.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    The Transfiguration

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2025 10:34


    Go back to seminary with Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, as he explains the Transfiguration in a way that will inspire you. In one event, the Transfiguration of Our Lord, several truths of our faith from the Old Testament are fulfilled. Fr. Chris tells the significance of the appearance of Elijah and Moses and draws parallels between their experiences and Jesus' actions.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    The Meaning of Holy Mass

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2025 11:49


    Bored at Mass? Not sure what is happening? Fr. Chris Alar walks you through the Mass and explains how every part comes from Scripture. You can't love what you don't understand, so now you can love the Mass by learning the Mass! In this episode, we discuss God's three greatest acts of mercy and how this relates to the greatest act of worship, the Holy Mass.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    Spiritual Warfare

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2025 12:31


    Spiritual warfare is real. This reality of demonic powers has always been a constant doctrine of the Catholic Church. Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, as he discusses why Satan hates man and why he wants us to fall as he did, trying to assert control through infestation, oppression, obsession, and possession.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    Mount Carmel and the Brown Scapular

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2025 10:32


    Who is Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and what is her message? What is the Brown Scapular and what is Church teaching surrounding its wearing and the promises/graces attached to it? In anticipation of the celebration of the feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, shares the story traditionally associated with its existence and the promises extended to those who wear it by Our Lady.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    The Precious Blood Devotion

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 11:18


    Learn why the devotion to the Precious Blood of Jesus is considered to be one of the four most important devotions in the Church. Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, explains how our sinful nature has separated us from God's holy presence and how it is only through Jesus' bloody sacrifice on the cross that we are washed from sin and reconciled with our Father. Learn justification for the Eucharist.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    Ash Wednesday, Fasting & Lent

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2025 8:30


    Is Ash Wednesday a holy day of obligation? Why do we receive ashes? What are the Church's rules on fasting and abstinence? Fr. Chris Alar, MIC has the answers to these and other questions about the holy season of Lent that we are entering into.

    The Immaculate Heart of Mary

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2025 10:12


    In this episode, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, discusses the requests made by Our Lady at Fatima that, if followed by us, would ward off chastisements and lead to the Triumph of her Immaculate Heart. Among these were to pray the Rosary daily for peace, and also to observe First Saturdays to make reparation for the blasphemies committed against her. Fr. Chris explains why this is one of the "Big 4" of all Catholic devotions.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    The Sacred Heart of Jesus

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2025 9:54


    What is the devotion to the Sacred Heart? When did it begin and why? What does the devotion to The Sacred Heart have to do with the devotion to The Divine Mercy? Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, to find the answers to these questions and more, about one of the most powerful devotions we have in the Church.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    Ash Wednesday & St. Valentine

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2025 10:05


    Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, as he explains the opening of the holy season of Lent, a time to think about God and not ourselves – similar to how we think about our Valentines and not ourselves. 

    The Trinity

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2025 11:12


    As the central mystery of our faith, the Most Holy Trinity is the mystery of God in himself, one God in three distinct persons. In this episode Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, provides some insight on how we can come to understand this mystery which will never be fully understood by man.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    The Hour of Divine Mercy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2025 5:23


    What is the Hour of Great Mercy? Did Jesus ask St. Faustina to pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy during this 3 o'clock hour? What are the promises associated with praying during this time? In the final episode of this 5-part series on the five channels of grace that were given to St. Faustina, Fr. Chris Alar discusses the meaning of the Hour of Great Mercy and the graces available for the asking.

    The Chaplet of Divine Mercy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2025 5:41


    What is the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and why did Jesus give this most powerful prayer to St. Faustina? What promises did he make for salvation to all who would pray it? Learn all about how you can say this prayer to implore God's mercy on mankind, the dying, and all sinners by meditating on the merits of His Passion.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    The Novena of Divine Mercy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2025 6:05


    Novenas are very powerful prayers because they are an intense and persevering form of prayer. But what makes the Divine Mercy Novena — which is prayed between Good Friday and the Saturday before Divine Mercy Sunday — different from all other Novenas? And why did Jesus give specific groups that He wanted to be brought to Him? Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    The Image of Divine Mercy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2025 6:48


    The Image of Divine Mercy is one of the three greatest images in the history of Sacred Art (along with the Shroud of Turin and Our Lady of Guadalupe). So what makes this icon so important? Why did Jesus say He wants it in every home and why did he offer so many promises to those who do? What is the theology behind it? In addition, there are several versions of the Divine Mercy Image. Which version has the most graces?Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    The Feast of Divine Mercy

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2024 7:12


    What is the meaning of Divine Mercy Sunday and why is it so critical today? Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC as he discusses the 5 elements of the devotion to Divine Mercy. This week we discuss the Feast.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    True Meaning of Christmas

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2024 11:26


    We all know about Christmas time, but do we know why the traditions we have came about? When does Christmas actually begin and when does the Christmas season actually end? What is the true meaning of the season and why do we celebrate it on December 25.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    How Christmas Traditions Came To Be

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2024 11:15


    If you have ever wondered where some of our most treasured Christmas traditions originated, you'll be surprised to learn that many of them, including the Christmas tree and even Santa Claus, began from Catholic roots. Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, as he shares some stories about the traditions of Christmas.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    Our Lady of Guadalupe

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2024 10:13


    Why is St. Juan Diego's tilma called miraculous? Why is Our Lady of Guadalupe known as the protectress of life? Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, as he explores the events surrounding the apparition of Our Lady on the hill in Tepeyac near Mexico City and explains the miracles associated with the Tilma.... why it cannot be explained.

    Understanding Advent

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2024 7:41


    In this episode learn about the real meaning of the misunderstood and forgotten season of Advent and how it can help prepare us not only for Christmas, but for eternal life. Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    Thanksgiving

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2024 11:25


    Join Fr. Chris as he discusses why Thanksgiving is a religious observance and why it is so important for us to express our gratitude to the Lord.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    The Holy Spirit

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2024 10:39


    As the most misunderstood and underappreciated person of the Trinity, we often fail to invoke the power of the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete. So we need to better understand Pentecost, the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, etc. Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    What Does the Church Teach About Sports?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2024 6:56


    Is there a connection between the discipline required to excel at sports and the discipline required to excel in our faith? What does the Catholic Church teach about sports? Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    Why All Saints Day?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2024 3:53


    In this episode in anticipation of All Saints Day, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, talks about the saints; who they are and why we venerate them.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    Halloween

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2024 11:09


    Can or should Catholics participate in celebrating Halloween? Fr. Chris shares the history of this holiday from its Catholic roots. Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    Do Ghosts Exist?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2024 10:49


    Do ghosts really exist? Yes, but who are they? Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, as he discusses Catholic Church teaching on ghosts and spirits, and the difference between prayer or veneration and necromancy.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    Baptism: Need for Salvation?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2024 10:33


    What makes the Catholic Church different from all other religions of the world is the Sacraments. Baptism impresses the Christian character in the soul, allowing the other sacraments. Baptism is necessary for salvation for all those to whom the Gospel has been proclaimed. Fr. Chris Alar explains why this is so, mainly because it confers the first sanctifying grace and the supernatural virtues of faith, hope, and charity. Also, he explains why baptizing infants is actually in the Bible and is something that was done by Christians since the very beginning of the Church.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    Saint Faustina and the Angels

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2024 10:15


    We know that God is glorified in his angels and in his saints. In this episode, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, speaks about a powerful example that combines them both: St. Faustina and the angels. Learn how God provides his angels to help us in our spiritual warfare and hear the 25-point “battle plan” given by God to St. Faustina that can help us today!Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    Saint Therese of the Child Jesus

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2024 10:05


    Pope Pius X called St. Therese the greatest saint of modern times. Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, as he shares more about this “little” saint; her life, her beliefs, and the role that Divine Mercy played in her spirituality.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    Saint Padre Pio

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2024 11:35


    In this episode, join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, as he explores the life and incredible stories of one of the greatest saints of modern times, St. Padre Pio. Learn about the stigmata (Christ's wounds) that he bore for 50 years and hear about some of his miracles and saintly virtues.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    Theological Virtues: Faith, Hope, Love

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2024 11:28


    See one of the most heart-warming stories we have ever featured on this show about an amazing place in Pittsburgh that will deeply affect you. Also, what are the Theological Virtues and do you know why the Church places such importance on them? Fr. Chris Alar, MIC answers these questions and many more on this episode of Living Divine Mercy.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    September 11th and the Holy Face of Mary

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2024 9:02


    All people old enough remember where they were on Sept. 11, 2001. But do you know the connection between that attack and the Holy Name of Mary? Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, as he discusses this connection.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    The Priesthood

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2024 11:12


    Even going back to the Old Testament, the people of God have always had priests to mediate between them and God; to offer sacrifices in expiation for the sin of the people. Did the role of the priest change in the New Testament? And if so, how?Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    Lourdes & God's Healing Power

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2024 8:55


    Learn about the apparitions of Our Lady at Lourdes, France, when Our Lady revealed herself as the Immaculate Conception and then left us a powerful devotion that has given the world thousands of healings over the past 164 years. God's healing power continues in many unseen ways and through the work of many modern-day apostles, such as the Healthcare Professionals for Divine Mercy.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    The Angels

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2024 12:25


    Are angels real? How can we better receive their help? Can I name my Guardian Angel? Must we believe in their existence? What does the Bible say? For the answers to these questions and to hear amazing stories about the presence of angels in the lives of ordinary people, watch this new episode of “Living Divine Mercy” with Fr. Chris Alar, MIC.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    What is the Domestic Church?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2024 5:33


    The "Domestic Church" is a little-known term but is of extreme importance. So much so, that if we lose it, society will cease to exist. In this week's episode, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, shares the Church's teaching on the definition of the term and what it means for Catholics. He also shares an incredible example of a town that you wouldn't believe still exists today and how its inhabitants live out the essence of the domestic Church in their everyday lives.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    The Importance of Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2024 10:10


    As the anniversary of Roe v Wade approaches, Fr. Chris discusses the pro-life teachings of the Church (why the Church is pro-life) and shares the powerful story of how Divine Mercy helped one woman to heal from her decision to end her unwanted pregnancy.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    The Wedding at Cana

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2024 11:06


    What is the meaning of the meaning of the Wedding Feast at Cana and why does it explain Mary's role of intercession? Fr. Chris Alar discusses this and presents the most incredible story of Zion Clark, who you won't believe when you see. Join us for this powerful episode of Living Divine Mercy.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    The Epiphany Explained

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2024 12:38


    In this episode, Fr. Chris explains what the Epiphany is and why it is so important. This forgotten feast is full of graces - learn how to receive what God wants to give us. Also, a touching story of a little girl who had a big impact on those in her life.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    What is True Forgiveness?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2024 9:29


    As Christians are we required to “forgive and forget?” Fr. Chris shares the answer to this question and enlightens us to exactly what asked of us from God and the mercy to be gained (for ourselves and for others) from forgiving.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    Immaculate Conception

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2024 11:19


    How do we respond when non-Catholics say that Mary must have had sin because then she wouldn't need a Savior? How do we respond when they say that the bible says, "All people have sinned"? Learn how to explain the Immaculate Conception, the patronal feast day of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. And what is the connection to Divine Mercy? Learn as Fr. Chris and other Marians share why it is so important.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    Why Purgatory Exists

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2024 11:26


    Christians since the first century have prayed for the dead. In this episode, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC discusses why Purgatory exists and how we can know this based on scripture and experiences of the saints.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    Fatima and Divine Mercy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2024 12:46


    Father Chris Alar, MIC, explains how private revelation to the three children in Fatima, Portugal, compares to the experience of St. Faustina, especially the ongoing importance of First Saturday devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    Who was Saint Faustina?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2024 10:28


    Jesus Himself appeared to Sr. Maria Faustina Kowalska, a simple, uneducated nun in Poland, and advised her to record their conversations and messages in a diary, to inspire others to trust in Him and His Divine Mercy.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    How to Pray

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2024 12:46


    Since every single grace comes from prayer, we need to make it part of our busy lives. Father Chris Alar, MIC, suggests the four best times for prayer: when we wake up, at meals, when receiving the Sacraments, and before we go to sleep.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    Why Does God Allow Suffering?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2024 11:36


    The suffering that we think God is imposing on us is really us doing it to ourselves, Father Chris Alar, MIC, explains. Often it isn't until we are finally brought to our knees that we finally discover our need for God.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    The Devotion to Divine Mercy

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2024 13:48


    Jesus gave us five new channels of grace to awaken the world to the devotion to Divine Mercy. Father Chris Alar, MIC, defines them as F.I.N.C.H.: the Divine Mercy Feast, Image, Novena, Chaplet, and Hour.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    What is Divine Mercy?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2024 11:00


    In Divine Mercy, God gave us a blueprint to get to Heaven. Father Chris Alar, MIC, explains the ABCs: Ask for God's Mercy, Be Merciful to Each Other, and Completely Trust in God's Mercy.Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

    INTRO - TRAILER

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2024 0:23


    Welcome to “Father Chris Explains” – short audio teachings on important topics within our Catholic faith. These were all originally part of the popular EWTN television series, “Living Divine Mercy” and we're happy to share them now in audio form. 

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